If you’re a fan of suspense, psychological twists, and heart-pounding action, Kdrama thrillers 2021-2025 have delivered some of the most gripping stories in recent years. From dystopian survival games to chilling crime mysteries, South Korean dramas have redefined the thriller genre with intricate plots and stellar performances. In this blog, we rank the top Kdrama thrillers from 2021 to 2025, from best to worst, and dive into their full stories and plots to help you decide which to binge next. Whether you’re seeking serial killer suspense or supernatural horror, these Kdrama thrillers 2021-2025 have something for everyone.
1. Squid Game (2021, Season 1; 2024, Season 2; 2025, Season 3)
Rating: 9.5/10
Why It’s the Best:
Squid Game revolutionized Kdrama thrillers 2021-2025 with its global impact, sharp social commentary, and relentless suspense. Its blend of dystopian horror and human desperation makes it a standout.
Plot:
Hundreds of cash-strapped contestants, including Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), a down-on-his-luck divorcee, accept a mysterious invitation to compete in children’s games for a 45.6 billion-won prize. The catch? Losing means death. As the games unfold—Red Light, Green Light, Tug-of-War, and more—alliances form, betrayals erupt, and the true cost of survival emerges. Gi-hun navigates moral dilemmas while uncovering the sinister forces behind the game. Season 2 (2024) sees Gi-hun return to dismantle the organization, ending on a cliffhanger that sets up Season 3 (releasing June 27, 2025), which promises to resolve lingering mysteries.
Why Watch:
The high-stakes survival drama, coupled with critiques of capitalism, keeps you glued to the screen.
Where to Watch: Netflix
2. Beyond Evil (2021)
Rating: 9.2/10
Why It’s Great:
This slow-burn psychological thriller won multiple awards, including Best Drama at the 2021 Baeksang Arts Awards, for its intricate storytelling and emotional depth.
plot:
In a small South Korean village, a series of murders eerily resembles an unsolved case from 20 years ago. Veteran detective Lee Dong-sik (Shin Ha-kyun), haunted by his past, teams up with young, ambitious detective Han Joo-won (Yeo Jin-goo) from Seoul. As they investigate, secrets unravel, and suspicion falls on everyone, including Dong-sik himself. The drama explores trust, deception, and the psychological toll of chasing a serial killer, with twists that keep you guessing until the end. Inspired by Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder, it’s a masterclass in Kdrama thrillers 2021-2025.
Why Watch:
Stellar performances and a tightly woven plot make it a must-watch for crime drama fans.
Where to Watch: Netflix
3. The Manipulated (2025)
Rating: 8.8/10
Why It’s Notable:
A highly anticipated addition to Kdrama thrillers 2021-2025, this Disney+ series combines star power with a revenge-driven plot.
Plot:
Tae Joong (Ji Chang-wook) leads an ordinary life until he’s wrongfully framed, plunging him into a personal hell. He discovers Yo Han (Doh Kyung-soo), a cunning manipulator who orchestrates crimes and fabricates evidence to ruin lives. Tae Joong seeks vengeance, while Baek Do-kyung (Lee Kwang-soo), a key figure, holds the clues to Yo Han’s identity. As Tae Joong battles to clear his name, the stakes escalate in a cat-and-mouse game of deception and betrayal. Written by Oh Sang-ho (Taxi Driver), it’s slated for release in Q4 2025.
Why Watch:
The intense performances and psychological warfare make it a thrilling watch.
Where to Watch: Disney+
4. My Name (2021)
Rating: 8.5/10
Why It’s Compelling:
This gritty crime thriller blends intense action with emotional depth, showcasing Han So-hee’s breakout performance.
Plot:
Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee) witnesses her gangster father’s murder and vows revenge. She trains under crime boss Choi Mu-jin (Park Hee-soon), becoming a skilled fighter and infiltrating the police as a mole. As a rookie cop in the narcotics unit, Ji-woo hunts her father’s killer while navigating her loyalty to Mu-jin and her growing bond with detective Jeon Pil-do (Ahn Bo-hyun). The series builds to a shocking revelation about the killer’s identity, packed with gory fight scenes and emotional stakes.
Why Watch:
Perfect for fans of action-packed Kdrama thrillers 2021-2025 with strong female leads.
Where to Watch: Netflix
5. A Shop for Killers (2024)
Rating: 8.3/10
Why It’s Engaging:
This action-packed mystery offers a fresh take on the thriller genre with its unique premise and intense pacing.
Plot:
Jung Ji-an (Kim Hye-jun) becomes a target for killers after her uncle Jeong Jin-man (Lee Dong-wook) dies. She learns his seemingly ordinary shop was a front for selling weaponry to assassins. Using her uncle’s training, Ji-an fights to survive while uncovering dark secrets about her family and the shop’s operations. The series blends high-octane action with psychological intrigue, keeping viewers on edge as Ji-an battles both external threats and her own past.
Why Watch:
Its fast-paced action and mysterious plot make it a standout in Kdrama thrillers 2021-2025.
Where to Watch: Disney+
6. Hyper Knife (2025)
Rating: 8.0/10
Why It’s Intriguing:
This medical crime thriller explores ethical dilemmas through a lens of suspense and revenge.
Plot:
Dr. Jung Se-ok (Park Eun-bin), a genius neurosurgeon, loses her medical license after a tragic incident. Now performing illegal surgeries to push the boundaries of neuroscience, she crosses paths with her former mentor, Dr. Choi Deok-hee (Sul Kyung-gu), who caused her downfall. Their reunion sparks a dangerous power struggle, with Se-ok questioning the moral consequences of her actions. The series weaves medical drama with psychological tension, delivering a unique thriller experience.
Why Watch:
Park Eun-bin’s performance and the ethical conflicts elevate this drama.
Where to Watch: Disney+
7. D.P. (2021, Season 1; 2023, Season 2)
Rating: 7.8/10
Why It’s Solid:
Plot:
Private Ahn Joon-ho (Jung Hae-in) is assigned to the D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) unit, tasked with capturing soldiers who desert South Korea’s mandatory military service due to hazing and abuse. Alongside Han Ho-yul (Koo Kyo-hwan), Joon-ho uncovers systemic corruption and faces moral dilemmas as they track runaways. Season 2 deepens the critique of military culture, though some find it less focused than Season 1.
Why Watch:
Its raw depiction of societal issues makes it compelling, though not as polished as top-tier thrillers.
Where to Watch: Netflix
8. Nine Puzzles (2025)
Rating: 7.5/10
Why It’s Decent:
While promising, this serial killer mystery lacks the depth of higher-ranked dramas.
Plot:
Yun I-na (Kim Da-mi) witnesses her uncle’s murder as a child and becomes a criminal profiler a decade later. Suspected by profiler Kim Han-saem (Son Suk-ku) of being the killer, I-na works to clear her name while partnering with Han-saem to uncover the truth. The series delivers suspense but struggles with predictable twists, making it a solid but not standout entry in Kdrama thrillers 2021-2025.
Why Watch:
Kim Da-mi’s performance shines, but the plot may feel familiar to thriller veterans.
Where to Watch: Disney+
Why These Kdrama Thrillers 2021-2025 Stand Out
The Kdrama thrillers 2021-2025 on this list showcase South Korea’s mastery of blending suspense, action, and emotional depth. From Squid Game’s global phenomenon to Beyond Evil’s psychological depth, these dramas offer something for every thriller fan. Whether you’re drawn to dystopian nightmares, crime mysteries, or medical dramas, there’s a Kdrama thriller waiting to keep you up all night.Which of these Kdrama thrillers 2021-2025 is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and happy binge-watching!
